A cruel mum and dad have been formally accused of child endangerment after nearly starving their young children to death.

Pregnant Maleah Renee Henry-Reed, 20, and Dustin William Shade, 25, have been formally accused of child endangerment causing serious harm, child endangerment as a parent, and tampering with evidence.

The abuse is believed to have taken place between 19th September and 17th January.

Earlier this month, the couple’s 15-month-old daughter was taken to hospital feeling sick and had to be transferred to the ICU of another facility.

Shockingly, it was found she weighed less than 10 lb.

During a subsequent search of the family home, police found the couple’s five-year-old son looking severely malnourished.

He, too, was found to be dangerously underweight, weighing just 20 lb.

He was also taken to hospital.

Bruises were found on both children.

Ohio state has filed for custody of the siblings.

In a statement obtained by Newsflash, Montgomery County Prosecutor Mat Heck, Jr. said: “Today [27th January], MALEAH RENEE HENRY-REED and DUSTIN WILLIAM SHADE were indicted by the Montgomery County Grand Jury on felony child endangering charges, because their two children were found to be severely malnourished.

“Their 15-month-old daughter weighs under 10 lbs. and their 5-year-old son weighs about 20 lbs.

“Also, the mother is currently pregnant with their third child.

“Both children are hospitalized and are being evaluated and treated.”

The Grand Jury of Montgomery County has indicted both suspects for two counts of endangering children (parent-serious harm) and two counts of endangering children (serious physical harm).

It has also indicted Henry-Reed for one count of tampering with evidence.